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Inquiring Organizations: Moving from Knowledge Management to Wisdom

Idea Group Publishing continues to impress me with their thematic collections. The latest one I've read is Inquiring Organizations: Moving from Knowledge Management to Wisdom, edited by James Courtney, John Haynes, and David Paradice. The foundation of the book is the idea that it is inquiry that drives sharing and innovation. The contributors set out to explore different models of inquiry, starting with essential philosophical frameworks, moving through the use of email and information systems in pursuing lines of inquiry, and concluding with genuinely enlightening explorations of what mindfulness and wisdom mean in an organizational context. Posted: 12/6/05; 4:56:52 PM #

Stewardship: Choosing Service Over Self-Interest

I have long admired Peter Block for his advice about consulting, but I first came to know his work from his book Stewardship: Choosing Service Over Self-Interest. That someone like Block, who has a section in this book called "The Redistribution of Power, Purpose, and Wealth", can make a good living in corporate America, is a sign of hope. Too many business books are full of inspiration and stories, but lacking in tools for change. By contrast, this book is full of very practical ideas, such as reform of pay scales and job descriptions, that can be applied by leaders who want to foster integrity in their organizations. Posted: 12/6/05; 4:56:46 PM #